I happen to be one who does not believe in the Prosperity Gospel. That God intends all believers to be 'rich' materially.
All the Apostles were not rich materially. They laid down their lives for Christ, spreading the Good News, not building up treasures on earth.
If someone focuses on getting rich, the chances are he will become rich someday - because whatever he puts his heart and soul on achieving, if it is not too absurd a goal such as flying to Mars, he will most likely achieve it. If someone aims to enrich himself with US$1million, he will likely to fulfill his goal within 20 years, if not 10 years.
However, Matt 6:21 clearly stated that "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also..." and not the other way round "Where your heart is, there will your treasure be also." Sometimes where your heart is, there is no treasure -- only passion and good deeds are there. However, you can be sure that if your treasure is on earth, your heart will be on earth too. See the difference!
So many wonderful christians died poor or extremely poor. But they are like Apostle Paul the poor tent-maker, like Jesus the poor carpenter. They have no treasures on earth. Their hearts were not here either.
Well if God-willing, I like to be a rich christian too. But here is not where my treasures are - otherwise I believe in Christ in vain.
Monday 27 December 2010
Saturday 25 December 2010
Bacteria and Viruses - what's the difference?
Both are microscopic. Both cause diseases.
Bacteria are single-cell organisms that live everywhere. Some are beneficial - for example help us to digest food. Others, called pathogenic, cause illnesses. Bacteria are self-sufficient and can replicate themselves from any other living cell through subdivision.
Viruses are typically 1 to 100 times smaller than bacteria. Viruses can only reproduce by entering a living cell. Drugs which target viruses are usually very toxic to the host cell.
Antibiotics kill bacteria, but not viruses. In fact, if you take antibiotics to try to treat a viral infection, this will affect the virus and may cause other unwanted effects.
Other microscopic invaders that cause disease include fungi - slightly larger than bacteria and responsible for conditions such as candida and protozoa - tiny single cell parasites such as Cryptosporidium that can live in your body.
(Excepted from Reader's Digest Sep 2009 Edition)
Bacteria are single-cell organisms that live everywhere. Some are beneficial - for example help us to digest food. Others, called pathogenic, cause illnesses. Bacteria are self-sufficient and can replicate themselves from any other living cell through subdivision.
Viruses are typically 1 to 100 times smaller than bacteria. Viruses can only reproduce by entering a living cell. Drugs which target viruses are usually very toxic to the host cell.
Antibiotics kill bacteria, but not viruses. In fact, if you take antibiotics to try to treat a viral infection, this will affect the virus and may cause other unwanted effects.
Other microscopic invaders that cause disease include fungi - slightly larger than bacteria and responsible for conditions such as candida and protozoa - tiny single cell parasites such as Cryptosporidium that can live in your body.
(Excepted from Reader's Digest Sep 2009 Edition)
Friday 24 December 2010
Besides Cloning, there is Parthenogenesis
Recently, I learnt a new word - Parthenogenesis.
I know cloning means reproducing a life without the use of a fertilised egg. No 'male' is involved. How it works: The nucleus of an unfertilised egg is removed. It is then fused with the nucleus of a donor cell (which has DNA and a full set of genetic material). The fused cell develops into an embryo and thence a new life.
Only a few weeks ago I learnt about Parthenogenesis - another reproduction process which does not require fertilisation by males. How it works: A female egg X splits into four cells, three cells were discarded. Another female egg Y splits into four cells, three cells were discarded. The remaining X cell combines with the remaining Y cell, giving rise to offspring which has all the genetic material from the mother.
Only recently I learnt that cloning and Parthenogenesis sometimes take place naturally in nature. Bynoe Gecko is an all-female species which clones themselves. Leiolepis Ngovantrii lizards reproduce by cloning. A boa constrictor (snake) recently gave birth to litters of all-female babies without contact with any male boa. The New Mexico Whiptail reproduces solely through Parthenogenesis. A Hammerhead shark in captivity was observed to reproduce through Pathenogenesis, having no contact with males.
I find all these new discoveries amazing. I know so little. Human beings know so little. SOMEONE must have created all these.
I know cloning means reproducing a life without the use of a fertilised egg. No 'male' is involved. How it works: The nucleus of an unfertilised egg is removed. It is then fused with the nucleus of a donor cell (which has DNA and a full set of genetic material). The fused cell develops into an embryo and thence a new life.
Only a few weeks ago I learnt about Parthenogenesis - another reproduction process which does not require fertilisation by males. How it works: A female egg X splits into four cells, three cells were discarded. Another female egg Y splits into four cells, three cells were discarded. The remaining X cell combines with the remaining Y cell, giving rise to offspring which has all the genetic material from the mother.
Only recently I learnt that cloning and Parthenogenesis sometimes take place naturally in nature. Bynoe Gecko is an all-female species which clones themselves. Leiolepis Ngovantrii lizards reproduce by cloning. A boa constrictor (snake) recently gave birth to litters of all-female babies without contact with any male boa. The New Mexico Whiptail reproduces solely through Parthenogenesis. A Hammerhead shark in captivity was observed to reproduce through Pathenogenesis, having no contact with males.
I find all these new discoveries amazing. I know so little. Human beings know so little. SOMEONE must have created all these.
Wednesday 8 December 2010
Monday 6 December 2010
Timbuktu
The Australian poetry contest in 2001 came down to 2 finalists. One was a Melbourne University law school graduate from an upper-crust family. The other finalist was a chap from Broadmeadows.
Each finalist had to compose a 4-line poem in 1 minute or less, and the poem had to contain the word "Timbuktu".
The melbourne grad went first. Abuot 30 seconds after the clock started he jumped up and recited the following:
"Slowly across the desert sand
Trekked the dusty caravan
Men on camels, two by two
Destination - Timbuktu."
The audience went wild. How, they wondered, could the Broadmeadows guy top that?
The clock started again and the second contestant sat silently in thought. Finally in the last few seconds, he jumped up and recited:
"Tim and me a-hunting went.
Met three sluts in a pop-up tent.
They were three, we were two,
So I bucked one and Timbuktu."
He won.
(Just a joke. Tim bucked two is not Timbuktu.)
Each finalist had to compose a 4-line poem in 1 minute or less, and the poem had to contain the word "Timbuktu".
The melbourne grad went first. Abuot 30 seconds after the clock started he jumped up and recited the following:
"Slowly across the desert sand
Trekked the dusty caravan
Men on camels, two by two
Destination - Timbuktu."
The audience went wild. How, they wondered, could the Broadmeadows guy top that?
The clock started again and the second contestant sat silently in thought. Finally in the last few seconds, he jumped up and recited:
"Tim and me a-hunting went.
Met three sluts in a pop-up tent.
They were three, we were two,
So I bucked one and Timbuktu."
He won.
(Just a joke. Tim bucked two is not Timbuktu.)
Saturday 20 November 2010
One Intriguing Story (3)...Don't follow what others did...
Elijah was a 'major' prophet of God.
Many years ago, the tribe of Moab rebelled against Israel. Moab's king, Ahaziah, had an accident and fell through the lattice in his upper chamber, and became ill. So he sent messengers and said to them, "Go and inquire from Baal, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from the sickness."
But the angel of God said to Elijah, "Arise, go up to meet the messengers of king Ahaziah and say to them, 'Is it because there is no God in Israel that u are going to inquire of Baal, the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus says the Lord, You shall not come down from the bed but you shall surely die.'" Elijah said that to the messengers and departed.
When the messengers returned to Ahaziah, he asked them, "Why have you returned?"
The messengers told , "A man came up to meet us and said to us, 'Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending to inquire from Baal...therefore...you shall not come down the bed but you shall surely die.'"
And Ahaziah asked them, "What kind of man was he who came up to speak these words?"
And they answered him, "He was ...Elijah."
Then the king send to Elijah a captain and 50 soldiers. The captain went up to Elijah and said to him, "O man of God, the king says 'Come down.'"
And Elijah answered and said to the captain of 50 soldiers, "If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your 50." Then fire came down and consumed him and his 50. (wow!)
So king Ahaziah again sent to Elijah another captain and 50 soldiers. And the captain said to Elijah, "O man of God, the king says 'Come down quickly.'
And Elijah answered and said to them, "If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your 50." Then the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed him and his 50. (wow! wow!)
So king Ahaziah sent a third captain of 50 soldiers to Elijah...
WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENED NEXT?
To know how the story ended, go and read the Bible, 2 Kings 1: 13.
Many years ago, the tribe of Moab rebelled against Israel. Moab's king, Ahaziah, had an accident and fell through the lattice in his upper chamber, and became ill. So he sent messengers and said to them, "Go and inquire from Baal, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from the sickness."
But the angel of God said to Elijah, "Arise, go up to meet the messengers of king Ahaziah and say to them, 'Is it because there is no God in Israel that u are going to inquire of Baal, the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus says the Lord, You shall not come down from the bed but you shall surely die.'" Elijah said that to the messengers and departed.
When the messengers returned to Ahaziah, he asked them, "Why have you returned?"
The messengers told , "A man came up to meet us and said to us, 'Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending to inquire from Baal...therefore...you shall not come down the bed but you shall surely die.'"
And Ahaziah asked them, "What kind of man was he who came up to speak these words?"
And they answered him, "He was ...Elijah."
Then the king send to Elijah a captain and 50 soldiers. The captain went up to Elijah and said to him, "O man of God, the king says 'Come down.'"
And Elijah answered and said to the captain of 50 soldiers, "If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your 50." Then fire came down and consumed him and his 50. (wow!)
So king Ahaziah again sent to Elijah another captain and 50 soldiers. And the captain said to Elijah, "O man of God, the king says 'Come down quickly.'
And Elijah answered and said to them, "If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your 50." Then the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed him and his 50. (wow! wow!)
So king Ahaziah sent a third captain of 50 soldiers to Elijah...
WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENED NEXT?
To know how the story ended, go and read the Bible, 2 Kings 1: 13.
Wednesday 17 November 2010
Only 1 out of 5 generations did not enter the Promised Land
Moses led the Jew out of Egypt to the promised land. However they had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years below entering this promised land.
In Deut 1:35, it was stated that "Not one of these men, this evil generation, shall see the good land which I swore to give your fathers except... (a few...).
Moses came out of Egypt with a few million Jews. No, it's not true that a few million Jews died in the wilderness and only children bornt during the 40 years had entered the promised land. If that is the case, then there would be a few million graves along the route to the promised land. Impossible, right? How can all those who entered into the promised land be less than 40 years old (except a few)? Cannot be!
You see, at any point in time, there are a few generations co-existing. At anypoint in time, there are great-grandfathers, grandfathers, fathers and children in existence. In other words, there are 4 or even 5 generations co-existing at any one period of time. If one generation died in that 40-year journey, then probably only one-fifth of those who left Egypt (1 out of 5 generations) died before reaching the promised land.
Most likely, it was only Moses' generation that died before entering the promised land. Moses' children's and grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's generations entered the promised land.
Do u think my interpretation is correct?
In Deut 1:35, it was stated that "Not one of these men, this evil generation, shall see the good land which I swore to give your fathers except... (a few...).
Moses came out of Egypt with a few million Jews. No, it's not true that a few million Jews died in the wilderness and only children bornt during the 40 years had entered the promised land. If that is the case, then there would be a few million graves along the route to the promised land. Impossible, right? How can all those who entered into the promised land be less than 40 years old (except a few)? Cannot be!
You see, at any point in time, there are a few generations co-existing. At anypoint in time, there are great-grandfathers, grandfathers, fathers and children in existence. In other words, there are 4 or even 5 generations co-existing at any one period of time. If one generation died in that 40-year journey, then probably only one-fifth of those who left Egypt (1 out of 5 generations) died before reaching the promised land.
Most likely, it was only Moses' generation that died before entering the promised land. Moses' children's and grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's generations entered the promised land.
Do u think my interpretation is correct?
Thursday 11 November 2010
Sunday 3 October 2010
God's the same - Yesterday, Today, Forever. But...
Yes, God's the same - YTF. But man's impression of God has changed drastically over the years!
In Old Testament Time:
God was a strict disciplinarian. When you do wrong and sin, you will be punished. Hence when Adam and Eve sinned, the serpent, Eve, Adam and 'the ground' were punished. (see Gen 3). People understood God as righteous and just. In the book of Psalms, the psalmists who were hurt by their enemies, implored God to revenge for them. "God, punish those who are wicked because they have harmed your people." so asked the psalmists and the prophets.
In New Testament Time:
Jesus Christ taught the people a more accurate view of God. God is 'Abba', the loving Father. God forgives His people when they confess their sins and accept that Christ had died on the cross to pay the price of their sins. That people should forgive each other 70 times 7 times. When someone wronged you and slapped your left cheek, let him slapped your right as well. Love your neighbours (even though all neighbours cause you trouble now and then).
God is the same - YTF. Let's forget the view that God is a unforgiving punishing monster. Accept Christ who died for our sins, and God the loving Father.
In Old Testament Time:
God was a strict disciplinarian. When you do wrong and sin, you will be punished. Hence when Adam and Eve sinned, the serpent, Eve, Adam and 'the ground' were punished. (see Gen 3). People understood God as righteous and just. In the book of Psalms, the psalmists who were hurt by their enemies, implored God to revenge for them. "God, punish those who are wicked because they have harmed your people." so asked the psalmists and the prophets.
In New Testament Time:
Jesus Christ taught the people a more accurate view of God. God is 'Abba', the loving Father. God forgives His people when they confess their sins and accept that Christ had died on the cross to pay the price of their sins. That people should forgive each other 70 times 7 times. When someone wronged you and slapped your left cheek, let him slapped your right as well. Love your neighbours (even though all neighbours cause you trouble now and then).
God is the same - YTF. Let's forget the view that God is a unforgiving punishing monster. Accept Christ who died for our sins, and God the loving Father.
Saturday 11 September 2010
When you are wrong, you are wrong. Sincerity is nothing
Whenever I read the story of Job, I am always amazed by his mental strength. I can't imagine how he could continue to live when a series of 6 or 7 calamities were inflicted on him in quick succession. To cut the longsuffering short, a normal person would have given up living and committed suicide. (Job 1 and 2)
Job's 3 friends visited him in Job 2:11. What they saw was beyond them. They wept,they felt sorry, and felt Job's suffering. They could not speak for 7 days and 7 nights, searching how to response, and what to say.
Then they spoke, one at a time, and with their best intentions, wisdom and sincerity.
But even with all sincerity, they were not helpful at all. In fact, they came to the wrong conclusion that Job suffered because he was punished by God for being guilty of sin.
Sincerity is useless. When you do something wrong, or say something wrong, you are wrong. Your sincerity or best intention will not justify what you have done or said.
Read Job. It's a nice story.
Job's 3 friends visited him in Job 2:11. What they saw was beyond them. They wept,they felt sorry, and felt Job's suffering. They could not speak for 7 days and 7 nights, searching how to response, and what to say.
Then they spoke, one at a time, and with their best intentions, wisdom and sincerity.
But even with all sincerity, they were not helpful at all. In fact, they came to the wrong conclusion that Job suffered because he was punished by God for being guilty of sin.
Sincerity is useless. When you do something wrong, or say something wrong, you are wrong. Your sincerity or best intention will not justify what you have done or said.
Read Job. It's a nice story.
Friday 10 September 2010
Tips on Dementia (2)
Some people are worried that they are having Dementia as they are getting more and more forgetful.
Forgetfulness and Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease are different. As we grow old, we often forget where we place our keys, or our spectacles or the TV's remote control. That is not Dementia.
2 early signs of Dementia are:
a) The person keep asking the same thing over and over again, within a few minutes. For example: "Where did Ah Lian go this morning?" after 10 minutes, the same question is asked. After 30 minutes, the same question is asked again." The person did not 'forget'. He did not register the answer in the first place.
b) The person is not aware that he did something a moment ago. For example: "Did I take breakfast just now?" or "Did I go to the market this morning?" The person did not even remember an event/action which he took part in.
All my friend who read this blog are still 'young'. I trust that you are not having Dementia. I wrote all this for you to identify Dementia in other people.
Forgetfulness and Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease are different. As we grow old, we often forget where we place our keys, or our spectacles or the TV's remote control. That is not Dementia.
2 early signs of Dementia are:
a) The person keep asking the same thing over and over again, within a few minutes. For example: "Where did Ah Lian go this morning?" after 10 minutes, the same question is asked. After 30 minutes, the same question is asked again." The person did not 'forget'. He did not register the answer in the first place.
b) The person is not aware that he did something a moment ago. For example: "Did I take breakfast just now?" or "Did I go to the market this morning?" The person did not even remember an event/action which he took part in.
All my friend who read this blog are still 'young'. I trust that you are not having Dementia. I wrote all this for you to identify Dementia in other people.
Wednesday 8 September 2010
Tips on Dementia
Dementia, mainly due to Alzheimer's Disease, is becoming more and more common in Singapore.
The progression of this illness, from inception to end-stage,could take 5 to 7 years from the time a person is identified with the illness. At the end-stage, the sufferer cannot feed or take care of himself.
Here is a tip. Once identified that Dementia is on the way, let the sufferer drink using a drinking straw. Let drinking from straw become an insinct. At the end-stage, the sufferer could only do things by instinct. He will not be able to spoon food or drink from a cup on his own. If sucking up from a straw becomes an instinctive action, then at least he can still drink by instinct.
This will solve the problem of spoon-feeding or syringe-feed him whenever he needs to drink.
The progression of this illness, from inception to end-stage,could take 5 to 7 years from the time a person is identified with the illness. At the end-stage, the sufferer cannot feed or take care of himself.
Here is a tip. Once identified that Dementia is on the way, let the sufferer drink using a drinking straw. Let drinking from straw become an insinct. At the end-stage, the sufferer could only do things by instinct. He will not be able to spoon food or drink from a cup on his own. If sucking up from a straw becomes an instinctive action, then at least he can still drink by instinct.
This will solve the problem of spoon-feeding or syringe-feed him whenever he needs to drink.
Monday 6 September 2010
Final Fantasy - My novel (It's purely fictional!)
It was 4000 years BC.
God said "Let Us make man, in Our image...". And so there were Adam and Eve.
There were 2 special trees in the Garden of Eden. The Tree of knowledge of good and evil (KOGE), and the Tree of LIFE. Eve ate the fruit of the Tree of KOGE, and Adam ate too. Now they became like God, knowing good and evil.
God said "Lest Adam stretch out his hand, and take also from the Tree of LIFE, and eat, and live forever--".
So Adam and Eve were sent out of the Garden of Eden. God stationed the cherubim, and the flaming sword ... to guard the way to the Tree of LIFE. The Tree of LIFE remained in the Garden of Eden.
It was 3000 years AD. Even after 7000 years, the Tree of LIFE was still at the same spot in the Garden of Eden.
Scientists had,since 2010 AD with the help of GPS devices, re-located the locations of the Garden of Eden and the Tree of LIFE. However for 990 years, nobody could approach the Tree of LIFE because the flaming sword, with mysterious power, had repelled all human attempts to go near the Tree of LIFE.
Now one day, an evil force, called Anti-man, devised a super plan. With forces so powerful, the cherubim and the flaming sword were over-powered and just as the Anti-man was about to pluck the fruit from the Tree of LIFE, the heaven opened.
Jesus Christ returned in all His glory. It was the second coming...
(It's purely fictional --The Final Fantasy !!)
God said "Let Us make man, in Our image...". And so there were Adam and Eve.
There were 2 special trees in the Garden of Eden. The Tree of knowledge of good and evil (KOGE), and the Tree of LIFE. Eve ate the fruit of the Tree of KOGE, and Adam ate too. Now they became like God, knowing good and evil.
God said "Lest Adam stretch out his hand, and take also from the Tree of LIFE, and eat, and live forever--".
So Adam and Eve were sent out of the Garden of Eden. God stationed the cherubim, and the flaming sword ... to guard the way to the Tree of LIFE. The Tree of LIFE remained in the Garden of Eden.
It was 3000 years AD. Even after 7000 years, the Tree of LIFE was still at the same spot in the Garden of Eden.
Scientists had,since 2010 AD with the help of GPS devices, re-located the locations of the Garden of Eden and the Tree of LIFE. However for 990 years, nobody could approach the Tree of LIFE because the flaming sword, with mysterious power, had repelled all human attempts to go near the Tree of LIFE.
Now one day, an evil force, called Anti-man, devised a super plan. With forces so powerful, the cherubim and the flaming sword were over-powered and just as the Anti-man was about to pluck the fruit from the Tree of LIFE, the heaven opened.
Jesus Christ returned in all His glory. It was the second coming...
(It's purely fictional --The Final Fantasy !!)
Sunday 5 September 2010
The English Language is partly to be blamed for the confusion
Many of us are baffled by the idea that God is "Three In One". We are confused because our thoughts and thinking are set on the English Language platform.
You see, in English Language, you either have singular or plural. You either have one, or more than one. You don't have 'three-in-one'.
So do we write "God is..." or "God are..." ?? Do we write "God has..." or "God have..."??
God is 3 persons, 3 personalities. Yet, God is ONE. This concept is not acceptable if we think in terms of English Language. It is un-imaginable. It goes against the rule of the Language.
Yet, God is not confined to the way we think or the way we are trained to think. God is Three-In-One !
So when we need help, we have a Team of 3 to help us - not just Team of 1. Better right?
You see, in English Language, you either have singular or plural. You either have one, or more than one. You don't have 'three-in-one'.
So do we write "God is..." or "God are..." ?? Do we write "God has..." or "God have..."??
God is 3 persons, 3 personalities. Yet, God is ONE. This concept is not acceptable if we think in terms of English Language. It is un-imaginable. It goes against the rule of the Language.
Yet, God is not confined to the way we think or the way we are trained to think. God is Three-In-One !
So when we need help, we have a Team of 3 to help us - not just Team of 1. Better right?
Tuesday 31 August 2010
Lee Wei Ling's Thoughts About Her Mama, And My Thoughts...
It is interesting to read Lee Wei Ling's article in the Sunday Times, 29 Aug 10, page 31. She lamented that she found it difficult to accept that her mother is bedbound, suffering from a massive stroke since 12 May 2008.
I share her sentiments. My mother used to be a strong woman. But over the last 10 years, she is now reduced to a totally helpless woman by Alzheimer's Disease.
Wei Ling wrote "...I accept these facts(growing old, falling sick and eventually dying) with no resentment that life is unkind. I have had more than my fair share of bad luck, but I never resented it, for I think suffering built up my resilience."
Ah yes! Suffering! When you are 55 years old, you would have gone through or seen a fair amount of suffering. Life offers both joy as well as suffering. But there is a difference - joy and suffering do not always cancel or square-off one another.
Sometimes an experience made us very pleased and joyful - like a visit to the majestic fjords at the coast of Norway. We are at cloud nine, exhilarated for a moment, perhaps for 3 months. Sometimes another experience traumatised us in suffering - like knowing a close relative gave birth to a still-born. We are in pain for 9 months.
You see, when comparing experiences of joy and suffering, suffering lasts 3 times longer than joy of the same intensity.
So why must one be born, journey on Earth for a couple of decades, experience more sufferings than joy, and then go to Heaven?
Can one by-pass Earth's journey and go straight to Heaven? That would be a simply way!
So, go, read the Book 'Wisdom of Solomon' in the Bible (deutero-canonicals). All these thoughts and sentiments had been mulled over and over in ages past. And the wisest of man had explained the meaning and purpose of life. You read and you will understand.
I share her sentiments. My mother used to be a strong woman. But over the last 10 years, she is now reduced to a totally helpless woman by Alzheimer's Disease.
Wei Ling wrote "...I accept these facts(growing old, falling sick and eventually dying) with no resentment that life is unkind. I have had more than my fair share of bad luck, but I never resented it, for I think suffering built up my resilience."
Ah yes! Suffering! When you are 55 years old, you would have gone through or seen a fair amount of suffering. Life offers both joy as well as suffering. But there is a difference - joy and suffering do not always cancel or square-off one another.
Sometimes an experience made us very pleased and joyful - like a visit to the majestic fjords at the coast of Norway. We are at cloud nine, exhilarated for a moment, perhaps for 3 months. Sometimes another experience traumatised us in suffering - like knowing a close relative gave birth to a still-born. We are in pain for 9 months.
You see, when comparing experiences of joy and suffering, suffering lasts 3 times longer than joy of the same intensity.
So why must one be born, journey on Earth for a couple of decades, experience more sufferings than joy, and then go to Heaven?
Can one by-pass Earth's journey and go straight to Heaven? That would be a simply way!
So, go, read the Book 'Wisdom of Solomon' in the Bible (deutero-canonicals). All these thoughts and sentiments had been mulled over and over in ages past. And the wisest of man had explained the meaning and purpose of life. You read and you will understand.
Wednesday 28 July 2010
John the Baptist doubted too
The Jews are religious people. They were taught to wait for the coming of the Messiah. Their Holy Book, had several prophesies that the Messiah was coming.
John the Baptist was a Jew. He knew that the Messiah was coming. He said "He who is coming after me...I am not fit to remove His sandals. He Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Subsequently, John baptised Jesus at the Jordan River and a voice out of heavens, said "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." So many people heard this voice from Heaven. John must had heard too!
Later John was in prison. He must had a lot of time to think and think, and then doubt set in. He sent a note to Jesus' disciples and the disciples conveyed John's question to Jesus. "Are You the Coming One (Messiah) or shall we look for someone else?"
Jesus answered "Go and report to John...the BLIND SEES, THE LAME WALKS, THE LEPERS ARE CLEANSED, THE DEAF HEARS, THE DEAD ARE RAISED UP..."
Are you like John the Baptist? Do you doubt sometimes?
I do. Yet I believe Him.
John the Baptist was a Jew. He knew that the Messiah was coming. He said "He who is coming after me...I am not fit to remove His sandals. He Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Subsequently, John baptised Jesus at the Jordan River and a voice out of heavens, said "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." So many people heard this voice from Heaven. John must had heard too!
Later John was in prison. He must had a lot of time to think and think, and then doubt set in. He sent a note to Jesus' disciples and the disciples conveyed John's question to Jesus. "Are You the Coming One (Messiah) or shall we look for someone else?"
Jesus answered "Go and report to John...the BLIND SEES, THE LAME WALKS, THE LEPERS ARE CLEANSED, THE DEAF HEARS, THE DEAD ARE RAISED UP..."
Are you like John the Baptist? Do you doubt sometimes?
I do. Yet I believe Him.
Monday 26 July 2010
Some insist there's God. Some insist there's no God !?!?!
The truth is, both are correct. To some, there's God. And to some, there's no God.
When you seek God, you will read about it, talk about it and think about it. "Seek and ye shall find..." God promised. In seeking, you will find God, know Him, and experience Him.
If you harden your heart against God, God will not resist. God will simply depart from you. You will not feel Him and experience Him. More and more, God is not there.
The atheists say there is no God. If they don't change their attitude and start seeking, then God will never come near them.
The agnostics say "Not sure, maybe there is God, maybe no God, but either way, nothing can be learnt about all these spiritual mumbo-jumbo. -- And so it will be.
As we grow older, I urge you to seek knowledge about the other dimension. In seeking, you will find.
When you seek God, you will read about it, talk about it and think about it. "Seek and ye shall find..." God promised. In seeking, you will find God, know Him, and experience Him.
If you harden your heart against God, God will not resist. God will simply depart from you. You will not feel Him and experience Him. More and more, God is not there.
The atheists say there is no God. If they don't change their attitude and start seeking, then God will never come near them.
The agnostics say "Not sure, maybe there is God, maybe no God, but either way, nothing can be learnt about all these spiritual mumbo-jumbo. -- And so it will be.
As we grow older, I urge you to seek knowledge about the other dimension. In seeking, you will find.
Thursday 22 July 2010
By Grace and Grace Alone
"FOR BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; NOT AS A RESULT OF WORKS, THAT NO ONE SHOULD BOAST." Eph 2:8
I am very touched whenever I read this verse.
Why of all people, God chose me to bestow His grace? And because of His grace, I have faith to believe in Jesus Christ and everlasting life.
This generous gift of God encourages me to response by living life with gratitude, avoiding sin, and be thankful.
In other religions, salvation is never a 'gift'. Normally you have to "Do this and this, and then you will receive salvation." (Well, OK, their conception of salvation is not the same as the Bible's concept of salvation, but has the same idea of peace, contentment and bliss.)
Thank you Lord.
I am very touched whenever I read this verse.
Why of all people, God chose me to bestow His grace? And because of His grace, I have faith to believe in Jesus Christ and everlasting life.
This generous gift of God encourages me to response by living life with gratitude, avoiding sin, and be thankful.
In other religions, salvation is never a 'gift'. Normally you have to "Do this and this, and then you will receive salvation." (Well, OK, their conception of salvation is not the same as the Bible's concept of salvation, but has the same idea of peace, contentment and bliss.)
Thank you Lord.
Thursday 8 July 2010
Does Your Conscience Guide You?
Sometimes we do things that our conscience tells us "No, don't do it! It's not right!"
What is this small voice within us? Is our conscience God's way of telling us right or wrong?
Answer: NO, if you are a non-believer. Conscience is not the voice of God. When a man takes revenge and kills the murderer of his wife or children, the man feels perfectly justified. His conscience is clear, and he is at peace. When a man commits adultery, he may feel perfectly fine as "all my friends are doing it too"! If you are a non-believer, your conscience is shaped by the environment. Tribal cannibals feel perfect and not wrong eating the flesh of those whom they killed - it's part of their society's practice.
But once you believe in God, and the Holy Spirit comes into your life, the answer is different...
Answer: YES, because conscience bears witness of God's promptings. Through our conscience, the Holy Spirit convicts us what is right and what is wrong. So when you tell a lie, the Holy Spirit will prompt "Ah-hah, that is not being truthful!" And when you queue up to buy 4-D on Saturday, your conscience says "Are you gambling? Is gambling right?"
In short, because of man's sin, our conscience is darkened and defiled. But thanks to the Holy Spirit, our conscience is gradually cleansed and purified. Increasingly, the standard of our conscience will be perfected (Matt5:48)
What is this small voice within us? Is our conscience God's way of telling us right or wrong?
Answer: NO, if you are a non-believer. Conscience is not the voice of God. When a man takes revenge and kills the murderer of his wife or children, the man feels perfectly justified. His conscience is clear, and he is at peace. When a man commits adultery, he may feel perfectly fine as "all my friends are doing it too"! If you are a non-believer, your conscience is shaped by the environment. Tribal cannibals feel perfect and not wrong eating the flesh of those whom they killed - it's part of their society's practice.
But once you believe in God, and the Holy Spirit comes into your life, the answer is different...
Answer: YES, because conscience bears witness of God's promptings. Through our conscience, the Holy Spirit convicts us what is right and what is wrong. So when you tell a lie, the Holy Spirit will prompt "Ah-hah, that is not being truthful!" And when you queue up to buy 4-D on Saturday, your conscience says "Are you gambling? Is gambling right?"
In short, because of man's sin, our conscience is darkened and defiled. But thanks to the Holy Spirit, our conscience is gradually cleansed and purified. Increasingly, the standard of our conscience will be perfected (Matt5:48)
Wednesday 30 June 2010
One Intriguing Story (2)...An Example of Commitment - Elisha
The Story:
The Lord said to Elijah, "Return to the wilderness...and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet."
Elijah left and found Elisha plowing with a team of oxen; there were eleven teams ahead of him, and he was plowing with the last team. Elijah took off his cloak and put it on Elisha. Elisha then left his oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, "Let me kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you."
Elijah answered, "All right, go back. I'm not stopping you!"
Then Elisha went to his team of oxen, killed them, and cooked the meat, using the yoke as fuel for the fire. He gave the meat to the people, and they ate it. Then he went and followed Elijah as his helper. (1 Kings 19:15-21)
What I think:
When Elijah called Elisha to be his assistant, Elisha followed him without hesitation. He did not go to ask his parents' permission first. Elisha simply went to kiss them good-bye.
Elisha broke his plowshare and used the wood to cook his oxen. He distributed the meat for others to eat. Everything was over, no more.
The story did not say Elisha sold his oxen and other belongings and (with the money in his pocket) went to follow Elijah. Basically, Elisha put an end to his past. When he followed Elijah, he did not carry anything over from the past. There was absolutely nothing from the past. It was a new beginning.
When we truely believe in something, we need true commitment.
The Lord said to Elijah, "Return to the wilderness...and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet."
Elijah left and found Elisha plowing with a team of oxen; there were eleven teams ahead of him, and he was plowing with the last team. Elijah took off his cloak and put it on Elisha. Elisha then left his oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, "Let me kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you."
Elijah answered, "All right, go back. I'm not stopping you!"
Then Elisha went to his team of oxen, killed them, and cooked the meat, using the yoke as fuel for the fire. He gave the meat to the people, and they ate it. Then he went and followed Elijah as his helper. (1 Kings 19:15-21)
What I think:
When Elijah called Elisha to be his assistant, Elisha followed him without hesitation. He did not go to ask his parents' permission first. Elisha simply went to kiss them good-bye.
Elisha broke his plowshare and used the wood to cook his oxen. He distributed the meat for others to eat. Everything was over, no more.
The story did not say Elisha sold his oxen and other belongings and (with the money in his pocket) went to follow Elijah. Basically, Elisha put an end to his past. When he followed Elijah, he did not carry anything over from the past. There was absolutely nothing from the past. It was a new beginning.
When we truely believe in something, we need true commitment.
Sunday 27 June 2010
Another Book Worth Reading...
If you want to learn about Kungfu, its best you look for the best Kungfu master and learn from him.
Similarly, if you want to learn about money, its best you look for the most successful money guy and learn from him - perhaps Li Ka Shing or Warren Buffett.
But Li and Buffett did not 'teach' very much, so who else?
Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki are prepared to teach you. This book was published in 2006, so it is quite current. In the book, they really teach. It's worthwhile reading the book.
I have read many books on financial freedom. Most of them are thrashy. But this book "Why we want You to be Rich" is very good. The authors themselves are very rich. So they did not publish books for the purpose of earning loyalties. I could tell that the personal advices they offered in the book are given with sincerity and conviction.
So read the book. Call me at 92291622 if you wish to borrow my copy.
Tuesday 22 June 2010
An Interesting Book
I just finished reading "Secrets of the Millionaire Mind" by T. Harv Eker. He wrote well.
Many of us read books on 'How to be Rich'. I read them too. Anyway, in today's environment, US$1million is not really a lot of money - its only enough to buy a good-size condo. Many listed companies' CEOs are getting more than US$2M a year.
The author hit the nail on the head - he focused on changing the mindset of the readers. The truth is, we all can earn a million if we want to bad enough. "Success can be learnable skill." (page 182) If we really really really want to earn a million, we will sacrifice everything and achieve it.
The author provided 17 Files to replace those files already in our mind which ingrained negative thoughts in us. I think his instructions are sound.
I recommend this book to you. If you do not want to buy the book, contact me and I will lend it to you.
Many of us read books on 'How to be Rich'. I read them too. Anyway, in today's environment, US$1million is not really a lot of money - its only enough to buy a good-size condo. Many listed companies' CEOs are getting more than US$2M a year.
The author hit the nail on the head - he focused on changing the mindset of the readers. The truth is, we all can earn a million if we want to bad enough. "Success can be learnable skill." (page 182) If we really really really want to earn a million, we will sacrifice everything and achieve it.
The author provided 17 Files to replace those files already in our mind which ingrained negative thoughts in us. I think his instructions are sound.
I recommend this book to you. If you do not want to buy the book, contact me and I will lend it to you.
Monday 14 June 2010
When the Outer Being cannot response, pray for the Inner Being
My mother is suffering in the advanced stage of Alzheimer's Disease. She could no longer listen, talk, feel or do anything. She has a mind of a 6-month old baby and could not response to nor understand what is happening around her.
Her Outer Being has totally deteriorated and wasted away.
But instinctively, we all know human being does not just have a mind and physical body. There is something deeper. We may call it the soul, or the subconscience, or any other term. The Bible refers it as the Inner Man, or Inner Being. "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our Outer Man is decaying, yet our Inner Man is being renewed day by day." 2Cor 4:16, Rom 7:22
I have been praying for my mother's salvation for a long time. Now that her Outer Being is no longer responsive, I pray that God will touch her Inner Being, and God's mercy and grace will sufficent for her.
God have mercy.
Her Outer Being has totally deteriorated and wasted away.
But instinctively, we all know human being does not just have a mind and physical body. There is something deeper. We may call it the soul, or the subconscience, or any other term. The Bible refers it as the Inner Man, or Inner Being. "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our Outer Man is decaying, yet our Inner Man is being renewed day by day." 2Cor 4:16, Rom 7:22
I have been praying for my mother's salvation for a long time. Now that her Outer Being is no longer responsive, I pray that God will touch her Inner Being, and God's mercy and grace will sufficent for her.
God have mercy.
Monday 31 May 2010
Why some prayers are not answered
The following question was printed in the Catholic News:
Question:
Our 26-year old daughter died a year ago after a 15-month bout with oral cancer. I really believed in the power of prayer. My confessor urged me to pray without ceasing, which I did. She was also included in lots of prayer chains. But she never had any good news. When it became evident she would die, I stopped praying. Since then I can't pray for anything because I don't think it will do any good. Can you please tell me why I should pray?
My Answer
Many of us are perplexed why God did not answer their fervent sincere prayers.
The ANSWER is actually very simple. God answer all your prayers that are prayed according to His will.
If your prayers are not according to His will, then sometimes He answers, but mostly, He does not answer.
Jesus knew what His mission on Earth is - to die on the cross as a sacrifice for man's sins. But being human, he agonised over this mission that He was to suffer. So He prayed and plead "Father if Thou are willing, remove this cup from Me..." He knew that this request is NOT according to God's will. So He added "Yet not My will, but Thine will be done." (Luk 22:42)
The second part of his prayer was answered, that is, God's will was done.
Hence, why did God not answer prayers for safety, for healing from deadly illnesses, for the impending deadly tornado to vanish? It's because such prayers are not according to God's will. God's will does not interfere with the natural order of things on Earth.
Question:
Our 26-year old daughter died a year ago after a 15-month bout with oral cancer. I really believed in the power of prayer. My confessor urged me to pray without ceasing, which I did. She was also included in lots of prayer chains. But she never had any good news. When it became evident she would die, I stopped praying. Since then I can't pray for anything because I don't think it will do any good. Can you please tell me why I should pray?
My Answer
Many of us are perplexed why God did not answer their fervent sincere prayers.
The ANSWER is actually very simple. God answer all your prayers that are prayed according to His will.
If your prayers are not according to His will, then sometimes He answers, but mostly, He does not answer.
Jesus knew what His mission on Earth is - to die on the cross as a sacrifice for man's sins. But being human, he agonised over this mission that He was to suffer. So He prayed and plead "Father if Thou are willing, remove this cup from Me..." He knew that this request is NOT according to God's will. So He added "Yet not My will, but Thine will be done." (Luk 22:42)
The second part of his prayer was answered, that is, God's will was done.
Hence, why did God not answer prayers for safety, for healing from deadly illnesses, for the impending deadly tornado to vanish? It's because such prayers are not according to God's will. God's will does not interfere with the natural order of things on Earth.
Follow Your Heart ....
THE SOLDIER
Horror gripped the heart of a World War-I soldier, as he saw his lifelong friend fell in battle. The soldier asked his Lieutenant if he could go out to bring his fallen comrade back.
"You can go," said the Lieutenant "but don't think it will be worth it. Your friend is probably dead and you may throw your life away."
The Lieutenant's words didn't matter, and the soldier went anyway. Miraculously, he managed to reach his friend, hoisted him onto his shoulder and brought him back to their company's trench.
The officer checked the wounded soldier, then looked kindly at his friend. "I told you it wouldn't be worth it," he said. "Your friend is dead and you are mortally wounded."
"It was worth it, Sir," said the soldier.
"What do you mean by worth it?" responded the Lieutenant. "Your friend is dead."
"Yes Sir," the soldier answered, "but it was worth it because when I got to him, he was still alive. And I had the satisfaction of hearing him say.... "Jim...I knew you'd come."
REFLECTION
Many times in life, whether a thing is worth doing or not, really depends on how you look at it. Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things. Fhe way to love anything is to realise its worth and that it might be lost. Also, relationships are like crystals, you dont realize how much it's worth until it breaks.
Take up all your courage and do something your heart tells you to do, so that you may not regret not doing it later in your life!!
(This posting is copied from www.tankinlian.blogspot.com)
Monday 10 May 2010
Amateurish Winning Strategy at the Casino
I don't gamble. But one day I would like to visit the 2 Integrated Resort locations to see for myself what are the new attractions there. I will not pay $100 to enter the casinos though.
My neighbour told me that his brother went to the Sentosa Casino twice already. On both occasions, he won a few hundred dollars, even after contributing $100 at the entrance each time.
The strategy sounds simple.
1. Don't be too quick to bet.
2. Walk round the tables and observe.
3. Identify a gambler who always win.
4. Follow that gambler in his choice of betting
5. Don't be greedy. Get out after making a few hundred dollars.
Well, with this strategy, I think the chances of winning "all the time" is still very slim. I won't border to try. But please let me know if this strategy works.
My neighbour told me that his brother went to the Sentosa Casino twice already. On both occasions, he won a few hundred dollars, even after contributing $100 at the entrance each time.
The strategy sounds simple.
1. Don't be too quick to bet.
2. Walk round the tables and observe.
3. Identify a gambler who always win.
4. Follow that gambler in his choice of betting
5. Don't be greedy. Get out after making a few hundred dollars.
Well, with this strategy, I think the chances of winning "all the time" is still very slim. I won't border to try. But please let me know if this strategy works.
Tuesday 4 May 2010
Making friends in your office
"If you are polite and courteous, you will enjoy the friendship of many people. Exchange greetings with many, but take advice from only one person out of a thousand. When you make friends, don't be too quick to trust them; make sure that they have proved themselves. Some people will be your friends only when it is convenient for them, but they won't stand by you in trouble. Others will fall out with you over some argument, and then embarrass you by letting everyone know about it (gossip gossip). Others will sit at your table as long as things are going well; they will stick to you like your shadow and give orders to your servants, but they will not stand by you in trouble. It your situation takes a turn for the worse, they will turn against you, and you won't be able to find them anywhere..."
Guess where this "quotation" is taken from? (See the comments)
Guess where this "quotation" is taken from? (See the comments)
Thursday 29 April 2010
One Intriguing Story (1) ...A Woman Called Susanna
There lived a man named Joakim who married to Susanna. Susanna was a beautiful woman and deeply religious. Her parents were devout Jews. Her husband Joakim was very wealthy. Lovely gardens surrounded his house, and the other Jews often gathered there for meetings. Everone who had a legal case to present would also go to Joakim's house, whre 2 judges held court. These 2 leaders of the Jewish community had recently been appointed to office.
Everyday at noon, when all the people left for lunch, Susanna used to take a walk in the gardens. The 2 judges were so attracted to her that they would wait around and watch her. They became so obsessed with their desire for her that they lost interest both in prayer and in their responsibility as judges. They each wanted Susanna, but neither told the other how he felt, for each was ashamed to admit his lust.
One day Susanna went into the garden as usual with her 2 servant girls. No one else was there, except the 2 judges, who had hidden themselves and were watching Susanna. It was very hot and she decided to take a bath. So she said to her servants, "Bring me some bath oil and some perfume, and lock the gates, so that I won't be disturbed." The girls did what Susanna asked, and they did not notice the 2men.
As soon as the servants left, the 2 judges jumped out from their hiding place, ran to Susanna, and said, "The gates are locked and no one will see us. We are burning to have sex with you, so give us what we want. If you don't, we will go to court and swear that we saw you send your servants away, so that you could be alone with a young man.
"There is no way out," Susanna moaned. "If I give in to you, I could be put to death for adultery. If I refuse, you will still have me trapped. But I would rather be your innocent victim than sin against the Lord. So she started screaming as loud as she could and the 2 judges began shouting accusations, while one of them ran and unlocked the gates.
As soon as the servants in the house heard all the noise, they ran into the gardens thru' the side door to find out what happened. The judges told their story, and the servants werre shocked and ashamed.
The next day, in front of all the people assembled at Joakim's house, they said "Send for Joakim's wife Susanna." When she was called, she came in with her parents, cildren and other relatives. Susanna was so graceful and beautiful that the 2 wicked men ordered her veil to be removed, so that they might enjoy looking at her. Her family and everyone else were in tears.
The 2 judges started their accusations against her. She was crying, but she looked up to heaven because she trusted the Lord. "We were walking in the gardens when this woman came in with her 2 servant girls. She locked the main gates and asked the servants to leave. Then a young man who had been hiding in the gardens came to her, and they lay down together. We swear that our testimony is true." Because the 2 men were not only leaders in the community but also judges, the people believed their story and condemned Susanna to death.
Then Susanna cried out in a loud voice, "Eternal God, nothing can be kept secret from you; you know everything before it happens. Here I am about to die, but you know that I am innocent, that these men are lying. Why must I die?"
The Lord heard her prayer and led a yound man named Daniel to speak out, just as Susanna was being taken away to her death.
Daniel stood up before them and said, "People of Israel, how foolish can you be? Are you going to condemn an Israelite woman to death on this kind of evidence? You haven't even tried to find out the truth. Reopen the case...
So all the people hurried back to where the trial had taken place...
Daniel said them, "Separate the 2 judges, and let me question them one at a time. The Daniel called the 1st judge and said "...Now if you really did see this couple making love, tell me, what tree were they under?"
"Under a small gum tree," he answered.
Then the first judge was led away and the 2nd one was brought before Daniel. "...Now tell me what tree you saw them under?"
"Under a large oak tree,"he answered.
Read the Bible to enjoy the rest of the story.
Everyday at noon, when all the people left for lunch, Susanna used to take a walk in the gardens. The 2 judges were so attracted to her that they would wait around and watch her. They became so obsessed with their desire for her that they lost interest both in prayer and in their responsibility as judges. They each wanted Susanna, but neither told the other how he felt, for each was ashamed to admit his lust.
One day Susanna went into the garden as usual with her 2 servant girls. No one else was there, except the 2 judges, who had hidden themselves and were watching Susanna. It was very hot and she decided to take a bath. So she said to her servants, "Bring me some bath oil and some perfume, and lock the gates, so that I won't be disturbed." The girls did what Susanna asked, and they did not notice the 2men.
As soon as the servants left, the 2 judges jumped out from their hiding place, ran to Susanna, and said, "The gates are locked and no one will see us. We are burning to have sex with you, so give us what we want. If you don't, we will go to court and swear that we saw you send your servants away, so that you could be alone with a young man.
"There is no way out," Susanna moaned. "If I give in to you, I could be put to death for adultery. If I refuse, you will still have me trapped. But I would rather be your innocent victim than sin against the Lord. So she started screaming as loud as she could and the 2 judges began shouting accusations, while one of them ran and unlocked the gates.
As soon as the servants in the house heard all the noise, they ran into the gardens thru' the side door to find out what happened. The judges told their story, and the servants werre shocked and ashamed.
The next day, in front of all the people assembled at Joakim's house, they said "Send for Joakim's wife Susanna." When she was called, she came in with her parents, cildren and other relatives. Susanna was so graceful and beautiful that the 2 wicked men ordered her veil to be removed, so that they might enjoy looking at her. Her family and everyone else were in tears.
The 2 judges started their accusations against her. She was crying, but she looked up to heaven because she trusted the Lord. "We were walking in the gardens when this woman came in with her 2 servant girls. She locked the main gates and asked the servants to leave. Then a young man who had been hiding in the gardens came to her, and they lay down together. We swear that our testimony is true." Because the 2 men were not only leaders in the community but also judges, the people believed their story and condemned Susanna to death.
Then Susanna cried out in a loud voice, "Eternal God, nothing can be kept secret from you; you know everything before it happens. Here I am about to die, but you know that I am innocent, that these men are lying. Why must I die?"
The Lord heard her prayer and led a yound man named Daniel to speak out, just as Susanna was being taken away to her death.
Daniel stood up before them and said, "People of Israel, how foolish can you be? Are you going to condemn an Israelite woman to death on this kind of evidence? You haven't even tried to find out the truth. Reopen the case...
So all the people hurried back to where the trial had taken place...
Daniel said them, "Separate the 2 judges, and let me question them one at a time. The Daniel called the 1st judge and said "...Now if you really did see this couple making love, tell me, what tree were they under?"
"Under a small gum tree," he answered.
Then the first judge was led away and the 2nd one was brought before Daniel. "...Now tell me what tree you saw them under?"
"Under a large oak tree,"he answered.
Read the Bible to enjoy the rest of the story.
Saturday 24 April 2010
We will always disagree - in many things
We will always disagree in many things. We are made that way. 2 brains are always different.
So there are always differences in thinking and in opinion, even though 2 persons may believe in the same God.
But if we want to live in the same world, or the same country, or the same house, we need to compromise. The alternative is to stay in different world, different country, different house.
On the issue of abortion, there will always be people who are pro-life and people who are pro-choice.
On the issue of religion, there will always be worshippers of God, and gods, and idols. To each his own.
Yes, we are difference. But living in the same world, we just have to interact in the 'common space', and compromise the differences.
So there are always differences in thinking and in opinion, even though 2 persons may believe in the same God.
But if we want to live in the same world, or the same country, or the same house, we need to compromise. The alternative is to stay in different world, different country, different house.
On the issue of abortion, there will always be people who are pro-life and people who are pro-choice.
On the issue of religion, there will always be worshippers of God, and gods, and idols. To each his own.
Yes, we are difference. But living in the same world, we just have to interact in the 'common space', and compromise the differences.
Black Sheep Priests
In the newspapers today, there is a front page article about 'Predator Priests'. The scandal is about paedophile catholic priests in some Western countries. I have no doubt that there are many cases of misconduct.
There are black sheep in any group, any organisation. Jesus had 12 apostles at first, yet within the 12 there was one black sheep. Those of us who work in groups will surely agree that even in small groups of 10, you will find a black sheep. It does not matter whether the groups are religious, political, commercial, family, voluntary, social or business in nature.
The church is no difference. There are thousands of priests and bishops and deacons worldwide. If 1 in ten thousand is a black sheep, there are plenty of them.
The church, or any organisation, needs a process to manage its black sheep from influencing the rest of the organisation and destroying its reputation.
There are black sheep in any group, any organisation. Jesus had 12 apostles at first, yet within the 12 there was one black sheep. Those of us who work in groups will surely agree that even in small groups of 10, you will find a black sheep. It does not matter whether the groups are religious, political, commercial, family, voluntary, social or business in nature.
The church is no difference. There are thousands of priests and bishops and deacons worldwide. If 1 in ten thousand is a black sheep, there are plenty of them.
The church, or any organisation, needs a process to manage its black sheep from influencing the rest of the organisation and destroying its reputation.
Friday 23 April 2010
Coping with life at 80s
My mother in-law had just done an eye cataract surgery. Both in-laws are now staying in my house.
My father-in-law is on medication for some other illnesses.
So there are 2 80-years-old with me very day.
Their lifestyle is: wake up, take medication. breakfast, lie down, read newspaper, medication, lunch, lie down, dinner, watch TV, sleep.
I tell myself, that is not the lifestyle I want in my 70s and 80s! Where is the meaning of living.
Perhaps I should now squeeze some time to do some volunteer work. I need to think about this.
My father-in-law is on medication for some other illnesses.
So there are 2 80-years-old with me very day.
Their lifestyle is: wake up, take medication. breakfast, lie down, read newspaper, medication, lunch, lie down, dinner, watch TV, sleep.
I tell myself, that is not the lifestyle I want in my 70s and 80s! Where is the meaning of living.
Perhaps I should now squeeze some time to do some volunteer work. I need to think about this.
Wednesday 21 April 2010
Many people work very hard
I asked my regular pork seller in the wet market.
He told me that he closes his stall around 12 noon. Go home and sleep by 3 pm. Wakes up at 9 pm and goes to the stall by 12 mid-night to prepare for the next day. Beween 12 midnight to 6 am, he receives delivery, chops the whole carcasses, separate the types of cuts, store them nicely in the fridge, etc etc. Customers buy from 6 am onwards. He closes the stall around 12 noon and starts the cycle again.
You can guess how much time he spends with his wife and children.
And how much he earns? You can guess. But not many customers during weekdays. More customers during weekends.
The reality is, making a living is not a bed of roses if you do not have a high-paying job.
Let's not make life difficult to the poor blue-collar workers and small businessmen. Live and let live.
He told me that he closes his stall around 12 noon. Go home and sleep by 3 pm. Wakes up at 9 pm and goes to the stall by 12 mid-night to prepare for the next day. Beween 12 midnight to 6 am, he receives delivery, chops the whole carcasses, separate the types of cuts, store them nicely in the fridge, etc etc. Customers buy from 6 am onwards. He closes the stall around 12 noon and starts the cycle again.
You can guess how much time he spends with his wife and children.
And how much he earns? You can guess. But not many customers during weekdays. More customers during weekends.
The reality is, making a living is not a bed of roses if you do not have a high-paying job.
Let's not make life difficult to the poor blue-collar workers and small businessmen. Live and let live.
Tuesday 20 April 2010
Coping with the painful 50s
I read in the papers that the govt should look into 'The missing 50s' - people who are in their 50s, but once retrenched, could not get back into the workforce.
I am in my 50s. I realised the pain of being in the 50s:
50 to 60 years old experience the following:
1) Coping with retrenchment. PMETs, once retrenched, can hardly find an equivalent job or something close.
2) Children may get married, or start working overseas, leaving the parents behind, causing a void.
3) Their parents should be about 70 to 90 years old and 'gradually' leaving this world. It is stressful both to look after parents and parents-in-laws during their final life stages, and to see them leaving one by one (4 times within 10 years?).
4) Some friends may start to leave this world.
5) The physical body deteriorates. Health problems set in. Tires more easily.
6) It's the time of menopause and andropause, whatever the effect.
It's time we look towards the Divine again.
I am in my 50s. I realised the pain of being in the 50s:
50 to 60 years old experience the following:
1) Coping with retrenchment. PMETs, once retrenched, can hardly find an equivalent job or something close.
2) Children may get married, or start working overseas, leaving the parents behind, causing a void.
3) Their parents should be about 70 to 90 years old and 'gradually' leaving this world. It is stressful both to look after parents and parents-in-laws during their final life stages, and to see them leaving one by one (4 times within 10 years?).
4) Some friends may start to leave this world.
5) The physical body deteriorates. Health problems set in. Tires more easily.
6) It's the time of menopause and andropause, whatever the effect.
It's time we look towards the Divine again.
Saturday 17 April 2010
From being crude, to being refine, to being best
Monkeys pick up food using their fingers. Early man pick up food using their fingers too.
Then humans realised that they could
use a stick to pick up food. Better still, use 2 sticks. So chopsticks were 'invented'.
As society progresses, people wants to be more 'classy'. Chopsticks are too crude a tool. So westerns started using forks and spoons and knives.
As society progresses further, people attempt to be more artistic. The use of fork and spoon is nothing artistic. So people revert to the use of chopsticks. Holding chopsticks, picking food with chopsticks and chopstick design became an art, as practised in China and Japan.
But really, the best way to eat is to pick up food with the 5 fingers. Nothing beats 'finger-licking'goodness.
The Indians still pick up food using their fingers - They know what is best!.
Then humans realised that they could
use a stick to pick up food. Better still, use 2 sticks. So chopsticks were 'invented'.
As society progresses, people wants to be more 'classy'. Chopsticks are too crude a tool. So westerns started using forks and spoons and knives.
As society progresses further, people attempt to be more artistic. The use of fork and spoon is nothing artistic. So people revert to the use of chopsticks. Holding chopsticks, picking food with chopsticks and chopstick design became an art, as practised in China and Japan.
But really, the best way to eat is to pick up food with the 5 fingers. Nothing beats 'finger-licking'goodness.
The Indians still pick up food using their fingers - They know what is best!.
Monday 12 April 2010
Magic, Illusions or just Miracles - Dinner for 20,000
We have seen magicians putting an assistant in a box, and then saw him into 2 parts, and then joined the boxes, and that assistant was whole again. Of course the assistant was not cut up! But we marvel at the illusion.
Another magician may gather people together a short distance from the Tower of Liberty, and made the Tower of Liberty disappeared before their eyes. Of course the Tower of Liberty was still there and the people just could not see it. We marvel at the illusion.
But no illusionist or magician can make 'something out of nothing'. Something that you can touch and feel. (When a magician pulls a rabbit out of a hat, the rabbit must be hidden somewhere there in the first place!)
No magician or illusion can change 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes into 8,000 kilograms of bread and fishes, and feed 20,000 people. This is a miracle, not an illusion or magic trick.
Sometimes I asked myself whether I am stupid to believe in miracles. Are all others who believe in Christ's miracles just as foolhardy as I am?
I don't think so.
Another magician may gather people together a short distance from the Tower of Liberty, and made the Tower of Liberty disappeared before their eyes. Of course the Tower of Liberty was still there and the people just could not see it. We marvel at the illusion.
But no illusionist or magician can make 'something out of nothing'. Something that you can touch and feel. (When a magician pulls a rabbit out of a hat, the rabbit must be hidden somewhere there in the first place!)
No magician or illusion can change 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes into 8,000 kilograms of bread and fishes, and feed 20,000 people. This is a miracle, not an illusion or magic trick.
Sometimes I asked myself whether I am stupid to believe in miracles. Are all others who believe in Christ's miracles just as foolhardy as I am?
I don't think so.
Sunday 11 April 2010
Can You Believe These Witnesses?
It happened a few months ago. The Romania Charge D'Affair in Singapore, Dr Ionescu, drove his car recklessly in the middle of the night, killing one pedestrian and injuring 2 others. In court, the witnesses told what they saw that night. If you are the judge, would you believe the stories of the witnesses?
It happened 2 thousand years ago. Jesus was with 15,000 to 20,000 people. It was evening time. They needed food to feed these thousands. Jesus was given 5 loafs of bread and 2 fishes. He broke the bread, gave thanks to God, and distributed it to the thousands. Miraculously, the bread and fishes kept multiplying as he handled out the pieces, and there were enough to feed all the thousands, with 12 basketful left. Some witnesses saw the miracle and wrote what happened. Would you believe the stories of these witnesses, as written in the Bible?
I believe these witnesses. What Jesus did, he did in front of so many thousands. The witnesses who wrote about this miracle had no reason to 'collude together' and churn out a false story, which 15,000 can immediately say it was false. (Although the 15,000 were all dead by now.)
If you beleve in the witnesses in the first story which happened a few months ago, you should also believe in the second story although it happened 2 thousand years ago.
It happened 2 thousand years ago. Jesus was with 15,000 to 20,000 people. It was evening time. They needed food to feed these thousands. Jesus was given 5 loafs of bread and 2 fishes. He broke the bread, gave thanks to God, and distributed it to the thousands. Miraculously, the bread and fishes kept multiplying as he handled out the pieces, and there were enough to feed all the thousands, with 12 basketful left. Some witnesses saw the miracle and wrote what happened. Would you believe the stories of these witnesses, as written in the Bible?
I believe these witnesses. What Jesus did, he did in front of so many thousands. The witnesses who wrote about this miracle had no reason to 'collude together' and churn out a false story, which 15,000 can immediately say it was false. (Although the 15,000 were all dead by now.)
If you beleve in the witnesses in the first story which happened a few months ago, you should also believe in the second story although it happened 2 thousand years ago.
Sunday 4 April 2010
Why "Good" Friday
Today is Easter Sunday.
I wonder why the day to commemorate the passion and death of our Saviour Jesus Christ is "Good" Friday?
Why not "Good" Easter or "Good" Christmas. Why only "Good Friday"?
Can I wait for some readers to respond?
I wonder why the day to commemorate the passion and death of our Saviour Jesus Christ is "Good" Friday?
Why not "Good" Easter or "Good" Christmas. Why only "Good Friday"?
Can I wait for some readers to respond?
The true story of my grandmother
My paternal grandmother died in around 1983. During her last days, she was hospitalised at Kwong Wai Siew Hospital at Serangoon Rd. While in hospital, she still could talk. I remember I had visited her a few times while in hospital before her death. I remember clearly that she had told me that she would not wish to be cremated but to be buried after her death. She was subsequently buried at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery, and about 12 years later, her remains were exhumed and placed at the Kwong Wai Siu Columbarium at Bishan.
These few weeks is the Chinese Qing Ming period. When I was with my father a few days ago, he mentioned something that set me thinking.
My father said that prior to being hospitalised for the last time, my grandmother was sick at home. She saw 2 'persons' at the window beckoning her to take her away. She told my aunt (my father's sister) and my aunt told my father. Now my father told me about this.
It had aways been a belief among Buddhists that during the dying days, some "beings" will appear to the dying. They were supposed to guide or accompany the dying in his journey into the next world.
So it happened to my grandmother as well.
When I read writings about NDE (Near Death Experience), there are always anecdotal stories of dying persons meeting angels, or guides, or spirits, or buddha or 'Jesus' at the end of a tunnel bridging to the other world. There seem to be consistency among the various religions in this aspect of NDE.
These few weeks is the Chinese Qing Ming period. When I was with my father a few days ago, he mentioned something that set me thinking.
My father said that prior to being hospitalised for the last time, my grandmother was sick at home. She saw 2 'persons' at the window beckoning her to take her away. She told my aunt (my father's sister) and my aunt told my father. Now my father told me about this.
It had aways been a belief among Buddhists that during the dying days, some "beings" will appear to the dying. They were supposed to guide or accompany the dying in his journey into the next world.
So it happened to my grandmother as well.
When I read writings about NDE (Near Death Experience), there are always anecdotal stories of dying persons meeting angels, or guides, or spirits, or buddha or 'Jesus' at the end of a tunnel bridging to the other world. There seem to be consistency among the various religions in this aspect of NDE.
Friday 26 March 2010
So Why People Died And Suffered In Natural Disasters
Recently, there were several earthquakes around the world, like the earthquakes that destroyed the whole of Haiti. So many people died and suffered. Natural disasters are more frequent nowadays.
It must be around the year 30 AD. Jesus was alive and teaching then. A Tower of Siloam crumpled and collapsed, killing 18 people. The people came to Jesus to ask for an explanation.
Jesus replied (Luke 13:1-5) :
At that time, some people told Jesus about the Galileans whom Pilate had killed while they were offering sacrifices to God. Jesus answered "Because those Galileans were killed in that way, do you think it proves that they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No indeed! ... What about those 18 people in Siloam who where killed when the Tower fell on them? Do you suppose this proves that they were worse than all the other people living in Jerusalem? No indeed! I tell you that if you do not turn from your sins, you will all die as they did."
So you see, all those people who died in natural disasters were not 'more bad' than others, and so deserved to die that way. We will all die physically, sooner or later.
And we will also die spiritually, unless we come to Christ. Christ said "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me." John 14:6.
It must be around the year 30 AD. Jesus was alive and teaching then. A Tower of Siloam crumpled and collapsed, killing 18 people. The people came to Jesus to ask for an explanation.
Jesus replied (Luke 13:1-5) :
At that time, some people told Jesus about the Galileans whom Pilate had killed while they were offering sacrifices to God. Jesus answered "Because those Galileans were killed in that way, do you think it proves that they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No indeed! ... What about those 18 people in Siloam who where killed when the Tower fell on them? Do you suppose this proves that they were worse than all the other people living in Jerusalem? No indeed! I tell you that if you do not turn from your sins, you will all die as they did."
So you see, all those people who died in natural disasters were not 'more bad' than others, and so deserved to die that way. We will all die physically, sooner or later.
And we will also die spiritually, unless we come to Christ. Christ said "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me." John 14:6.
Saturday 20 March 2010
My new product
I am launching my new product. It's call RTP stencil - or Ready-To-Print Silkscreen Stencil. Buy from me by email or phone. Each RTP stencil can be used to print at least 2000 T-shirts.
Friday 22 January 2010
Peacock and Peahen
Watch these 2 videos. then answer the following 'quiz' question:
Why in the PeaBird World, the male Peacock is more pretty than the female Peahen, whereas in the Human World, the female woman is more pretty than the male man ??
(Continue reading this Blog for the answer.)
Why in the PeaBird World, the male Peacock is more pretty than the female Peahen, whereas in the Human World, the female woman is more pretty than the male man ??
(Continue reading this Blog for the answer.)
Some Christian organisations will last, some will not
Old Churches such as Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, have existed for a long time. Some Churches, like New Creation, City Harvest, are relatively 'young'.
When an organisation is young, there are few rules and regulations.
As an organisation gets older, 50 years, 100 years, 500 years, an organisational culture develops. The volume of rules, regulations, codes of conduct grows so huge that the organisation may even need an 'Archival Department'!.
Many independent churches were started by zealous and charismatic leaders. But when the first generation leaders passed away, these churches weaken and finally cease to exist.
The first generation lasts about 70 years. The next generation overlaps the previous generation by 30 years and lives another 40 years. The next next generation last another 40 years. Hence 3 generations would mean a total of 70+40+40 = 150 years.
Memories last only 3 generations. We can remember our grandparents in some detail. But we cannot remember our great-grandparents in detail.
Hence, the critical year is about 150. If a church or a religious organisation could survive 150 years, it is likely to live on. An organisation which is less than 150 years old has a high probability of dying out.
So you can expect many Christian organisations, though successful they may be at present, to cease before they reach their critical years equivalent to 3 generations. New religious organisations will always sprang up to take their place.
Are you with an organisation that is less than 3 generations old? Are the first two generations putting in place a robust succession plan?
When an organisation is young, there are few rules and regulations.
As an organisation gets older, 50 years, 100 years, 500 years, an organisational culture develops. The volume of rules, regulations, codes of conduct grows so huge that the organisation may even need an 'Archival Department'!.
Many independent churches were started by zealous and charismatic leaders. But when the first generation leaders passed away, these churches weaken and finally cease to exist.
The first generation lasts about 70 years. The next generation overlaps the previous generation by 30 years and lives another 40 years. The next next generation last another 40 years. Hence 3 generations would mean a total of 70+40+40 = 150 years.
Memories last only 3 generations. We can remember our grandparents in some detail. But we cannot remember our great-grandparents in detail.
Hence, the critical year is about 150. If a church or a religious organisation could survive 150 years, it is likely to live on. An organisation which is less than 150 years old has a high probability of dying out.
So you can expect many Christian organisations, though successful they may be at present, to cease before they reach their critical years equivalent to 3 generations. New religious organisations will always sprang up to take their place.
Are you with an organisation that is less than 3 generations old? Are the first two generations putting in place a robust succession plan?
Friday 15 January 2010
Haiti unites the world (for a moment)
To get quarrelling members of a team to unite, we give the whole team a project with a common objective. As the members work on the project towards that single objective, members put animosity behind them.
Countries of the world are always quarrelling. When God look down from Heaven, He sees a divided world.
I was thinking, perhaps when there is a need to fight off aliens from far-away galaxies attacking earth, the countries of the world will have a common objective to be united.
Haiti had been reduced to nothing by an earthquake 3 days ago. Sadly, Haiti now faced the same destruction as Sodom and Gomorrah, where Lot escaped and his wife turned into a pillar of salt (Gen 19:1-29).
All the countries in the world (well, almost all) are preparing to help. Well, at least the world is united, for a moment.
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